4.17.2015
Sign and visual communications industry leaders packed their bags to leave Las Vegas and ISA’s International Sign Expo 2015. But they take with them a suitcase full of great ideas, new products and important connections to improve and expand their business.
With a sold-out trade show showcasing more than 600 exhibitors and 213,000 net square feet of tradeshow floor, ISA Sign Expo lived up to its promise of “Come to Play. Come to Win.” In all, some 19,000 attendees took advantage of the opportunities to network with industry colleagues, increase their industry knowledge through education and expand their product lines and capabilities on the tradeshow floor. This event marked one of the largest tradeshows in recent history.
“ISA Sign Expo 2015 was exhilarating,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. “Though there may be a need to prop up the feet for a few days to recover from that huge tradeshow floor, we heard from so many sign and visual communications company personnel who took home new ideas and new products to grow their businesses.”
There were plenty of opportunities to find inspiration at every turn.
• More connections through networking opportunities. ISA Elite brought 34 young professionals who are ready to grow their careers in the industry. The Hosted Buyer program drew 50 designers, architects and brand managers to learn more about the signs they spec. Custom sign companies were able to connect with national sign companies to learn more about working together. The ISA Affiliated Associations hosted events to connect with peers at the regional level.
• More education. Dynamic Digital Day, now in its third year, was standing-room-only in most of its sessions. Given that Dynamic Digital Day debuted three years ago, the strength of the 2015 sessions demonstrates a growing interest in this type of signage. Opportunities for free educational sessions on the tradeshow floor occurred in the Lounge & Learn area, the Dynamic Digital Park and the Print Application Center.
• More product debuts. The tradeshow floor was not only a record and a sellout, but it also included a significant number of new product launches, including printers, substrates, lighting and more. The Dynamic Digital Park was 28 percent larger again this year. Now in its third year, the DDP has increased each year.
“We continually heard from exhibitors that sales were strong and that they were selling the products right off the show floor,” said Brandon Hensley, ISA chief operating officer. “This indicates a strong sign and visual communications industry with leaders willing to invest in their businesses. There’s no telling where this will take the industry in the years to come.”
ISA Sign Expo 2016 is scheduled for April 20–23 in Orlando, Fla.
